By Mabel Aziba
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has presented a proposed N1.854 trillion budget for the 2026 fiscal year to the Rivers State House of Assembly, describing it as a “Budget of Resilience for Growth and Development.”
The proposed appropriation bill, presented before lawmakers during a plenary session at the Assembly Complex, outlines the administration’s commitment to sustaining economic growth, expanding infrastructure, improving public service delivery, and strengthening the state’s resilience amid prevailing economic challenges.
Governor Fubara said the 2026 budget was carefully designed to consolidate the achievements of his administration while laying a stronger foundation for inclusive development across the state.
According to him, the proposal reflects the government’s determination to improve the living standards of Rivers residents through strategic investments in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, security, housing, and youth empowerment.
He noted that despite national economic pressures, his administration remains focused on prudent financial management and responsible governance aimed at ensuring that every naira allocated delivers measurable benefits to the people.
The governor explained that the budget prioritises the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects while making provision for new initiatives expected to stimulate economic activities, attract investments, and create employment opportunities for youths.
He added that the government would continue to strengthen internally generated revenue while ensuring transparency and accountability in public financial management.
Fubara emphasized that infrastructure development would remain a major driver of economic transformation, stressing that improved roads, bridges, public buildings, water supply systems, and other critical facilities would enhance business activities and improve the quality of life for residents.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery by investing in hospitals, primary healthcare centres, medical equipment, and personnel development.
In the education sector, he said adequate funding had been proposed to improve school infrastructure, recruit qualified teachers, and enhance access to quality education across the state.
The proposed budget equally places emphasis on agriculture as a means of enhancing food security and diversifying the state’s economy. Investments in modern farming, agricultural extension services, and support for farmers are expected to boost local food production and create jobs.
Governor Fubara further assured Rivers people that security would continue to receive significant attention, noting that a peaceful and secure environment remains essential for economic growth and investment.
He urged members of the House of Assembly to give the appropriation bill speedy consideration and approval to enable the government commence implementation from the beginning of the 2026 fiscal year.
According to him, timely passage of the budget would ensure continuity in governance and facilitate the execution of programmes and projects designed to improve the welfare of citizens.
Responding, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly assured the governor that lawmakers would subject the budget proposal to thorough legislative scrutiny while ensuring its speedy consideration in the interest of the state.
The Assembly pledged to work collaboratively with the executive arm to ensure that the 2026 budget addresses the developmental aspirations of Rivers people and delivers tangible benefits across all sectors.
With a proposed expenditure of N1.854 trillion, the 2026 appropriation represents one of the largest budgets in the state’s history, underscoring the government’s determination to accelerate development despite economic uncertainties.
If approved by the Assembly, the budget is expected to serve as the financial blueprint for implementing Governor Fubara’s development agenda, with a strong focus on resilience, sustainable growth, improved infrastructure, economic diversification, and better living conditions for the people of Rivers State.
